April 11

in History

Septimius Severus Was Born — Africa's first emperor draws his first breath

Leptis Magna, LibyaClassical

145

Septimius Severus Was Born

Africa's first emperor draws his first breath

In the North African city of Leptis Magna, Septimius Severus was born into a prominent Punic-Roman family. He would become the first emperor of African origin to rule Rome, seizing power during the chaotic Year of the Five Emperors and founding a dynasty that lasted four decades. A ruthless military commander and ambitious builder, he expanded the empire's borders, reformed its army, and left his mark on Rome with the triumphal arch that still stands in the Forum.

145 AD

Sandor Marai Was Born — Hungary's exiled literary conscience

Kassa, Hungary (modern Kosice, Slovakia)Early 20th Century

1900

Sandor Marai Was Born

Hungary's exiled literary conscience

In the city of Kassa in the Kingdom of Hungary, Sandor Marai was born -- a writer whose elegant prose would capture the twilight of Central European civilization. His novels, particularly 'Embers,' explored the decay of the old Austro-Hungarian world with devastating precision. Forced into exile by the communist regime, he spent decades in obscurity before being rediscovered as one of the twentieth century's greatest European novelists.

1900 AD

Late 20th Century

1951

Harry S. Truman

U.S. president Harry S. Truman relieved General of the Army Douglas MacArthur of his commands for making public statements about the Korean War that contradicted the administration's policies.

1951 AD